When people hear about fluoride treatments, many people assume it is only for children. But did you know that it’s just as beneficial for grown-ups? Yes, this simple treatment can help keep cavities at bay. So, how often do you need fluoride treatments from a dentist in Houston? The answer depends on your age, cavity risk, and certain other factors. Read on to learn more.
Why Are Fluoride Treatments So Important?
There are thousands of bacteria in your mouth that ferment sugars and release acids. These acids can cause the enamel to break down, eventually causing decay. Fluoride strengthens your enamel by making it more resistant to these acids.
Studies suggest that in certain cases, fluoride can even reverse the early process of tooth decay. It also helps in remineralization of your tooth enamel.
These are the major reasons why we recommend fluoride treatments for our patients in Houston. It’s not simply a quick fix, but a long-term method to protect teeth from cavities.
How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?
For most children and adults with healthy teeth, we suggest getting professional fluoride application at our Houston office every six months. However, some patients may need more frequent treatments, as often as every 3 to 4 months, to keep their teeth cavity-free. It depends on your risk factors:
History of frequent cavities
Some children and adults are more prone to cavities than others, possibly due to genetic factors. Having a sugar-rich diet too often can also be a cause.
If you already have multiple fillings, consider getting fluoride treatments to prevent more cavities in the future.
Dry mouth
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a frequent issue adults face, especially those taking certain medications. It’s a risk factor for cavities. Early fluoride reinforcement can keep your teeth protected.
Braces treatment
For braces wearers, it’s not easy to clean plaque around those brackets and wires. Because this can raise your risk of decay, our dentist suggests more frequent fluoride application.
Receding gums
Unlike the crown of your tooth, the tooth roots are not covered with enamel. If they are exposed because of gum recession, there’s a higher chance of cavities. It’s important to coat these sensitive areas with fluoride.
What Happens During Fluoride Application?
Fluoride treatments are completely safe and painless. Our dentist starts by cleaning the surface of your teeth. Then, a thin layer of the fluoride solution (gel or varnish) is painted onto your teeth. It’s then left to sit for a few minutes.
This gives time for the fluoride ions to absorb into the enamel. The solution hardens very quickly, so for children, there is no risk of swallowing it. It only takes a few minutes for your teeth to have an extra layer of protection.
Summing Up
To keep your smile healthy, you need to take care of it ahead of time, and regular fluoride treatments are one way to do that. If you’re worried about tooth decay, you can get professional fluoride treatments in Houston at Hickerson Dental & Associates, DDS. PC. Call us today at (713) 782-3123 for an appointment.